If you’re a skincare distributor or wholesaler importing from China, one of the first questions you’ll face is: “Which payment method is safest for OEM and private label skincare?” It’s a crucial decision. The right payment term doesn’t just protect your money — it builds long-term trust with your supplier.
At Amarrie, a leading OEM/ODM skincare manufacturer in China, we’ve worked with distributors across 180+ countries. From new beauty startups to global spa chains, we’ve helped partners navigate every kind of payment setup — T/T, L/C, open account, and sample offsets. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best payment terms for skincare importers and private label brands.
1. T/T (Telegraphic Transfer): The Global Standard for OEM Skincare Orders
When importing skincare products, T/T (telegraphic transfer) is the most widely used method. It’s simple, fast, and globally recognized.
How it works: The buyer pays a deposit (usually 30%) before production, and the remaining 70% before shipment. This ensures production starts on schedule while keeping your cash flow stable.
Why T/T works for most skincare buyers:
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Secure and trackable through your bank
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Lower fees than other payment methods
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Processing time within 1–3 business days
At Amarrie Skincare, we recommend T/T for most OEM and private label orders. For example, a spa distributor in Dubai recently ordered our Vitamin C Serum line — using a 30/70 T/T payment split. The result? Smooth delivery within 45 working days and a strong business relationship from the start.
Pro tip: Always double-check the beneficiary name and account details before transferring. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid supplier fraud in international trade.
For additional reading, you can refer to the World Trade Organization for global trade finance standards and SWIFT for secure international payment systems.
2. L/C (Letter of Credit): Secure for High-Value Skincare Imports
If you’re importing skincare products in bulk — especially for wholesale or distribution — a Letter of Credit (L/C) can offer powerful financial protection.
How it works: Your bank guarantees payment to the supplier once all documents (like the Bill of Lading, invoice, and Certificate of Origin) meet the L/C terms. It’s a safeguard for both sides — ensuring you get what you paid for, and the supplier gets paid on time.
Why L/C is ideal for large skincare shipments:
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Low payment risk for both buyer and supplier
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Great for new international partnerships
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Helps satisfy financing requirements from your bank
At Amarrie, we often use L/C for large-scale exports — such as full container loads of Neutriherbs skincare products to African and European distributors. Our documentation and compliance teams handle all export paperwork in line with international trade standards【15†source】.
You can explore more about L/C structures on the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) website.
Note: While secure, L/C can involve higher banking fees and slightly longer processing. For small MOQs or first orders, T/T is usually faster.
3. Open Account: For Long-Term Skincare Partners
The open account method is reserved for established, trusted distributors. It’s when the supplier ships products first, and payment follows within 30–60 days.
Why open account builds strong relationships:
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Keeps cash flow flexible for distributors
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Simplifies recurring or seasonal orders
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Demonstrates long-term trust from your supplier
At Amarrie, we offer open account terms to partners who’ve worked with us for over a year and maintained consistent order volumes【15†source】. One long-term distributor in Poland, for instance, enjoys 45-day payment terms on our Neutriherbs Pro Series — a reward for years of reliable cooperation.
For insight into supplier credit management, check out McKinsey & Company’s guide on working capital optimization. It offers valuable tips on balancing trust and liquidity in trade.
Reminder: This isn’t for newcomers. Open account terms are granted once your payment history and partnership are proven.
4. Sample Offsets: Test Quality Before Committing to OEM Orders
Every serious skincare buyer should test samples before mass production — and sample offsets make this fair for both sides.
How it works: You pay a small fee for product samples, which is later deducted from your first bulk order【21†source】. That means you get to verify the quality without wasting money.
At Amarrie, we charge a low sample fee only to cover material and logistics costs. When you place your first confirmed order within 30 days, we refund that amount — turning your test into a true investment.
Why sample offsets work well for skincare OEM buyers:
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Helps verify product texture, scent, and formulation stability
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Encourages genuine business intent
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Reduces risk for both buyer and supplier
For reference, skincare buyers can review U.S. FDA cosmetic labeling and testing guidelines to better understand product compliance standards before ordering.
5. Which Payment Term Fits Your Skincare Import Plan?
| Order Type | Recommended Payment Term | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| First-time importer | T/T (30% deposit) | Fast and low-cost |
| Large wholesale shipment | L/C | High-value security |
| Long-term distributor | Open Account | Relationship-based trust |
| Product testing | Sample Offset | Refundable on bulk order |
If you’re just starting your private label skincare line, we suggest starting with T/T. As your relationship with Amarrie grows, you can move toward more flexible payment terms like open accounts or long-term credit.
For further guidance on international payments, visit the OECD trade and finance portal.
6. Amarrie’s Payment Security and Flexibility
With over 20 years in skincare OEM manufacturing, we understand that payment security equals peace of mind. That’s why all transactions at Amarrie follow strict compliance rules.
We ensure:
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Payments are processed only through verified company accounts【21†source】
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Deposits trigger production immediately — avoiding unnecessary delays
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Refundable sample fees and transparent invoices for all orders
We also support modern, secure payment platforms such as Alibaba Trade Assurance, PayPal (for sample orders), and Western Union for small transactions【21†source】.
For more on international business certification and quality assurance, refer to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Commission’s Cosmetic Regulations overview.
Final Thoughts: Building Trust Through Transparency
Payment terms aren’t just about transferring money — they’re about transferring trust. The right agreement protects your investment and strengthens your long-term relationship with your skincare OEM supplier.
At Amarrie, we don’t just sell skincare products — we build partnerships. Whether you’re testing our Vitamin C Serum, exploring private label toner formulas, or scaling your brand internationally, we’ll help you find the safest, most flexible payment solution.
For a deeper understanding of global skincare market trends, explore the McKinsey Beauty Market Report for 2025.
👉 Ready to discuss payment options for your next skincare order? Contact us anytime — we’ll help you choose a secure, convenient, and transparent method that fits your business goals.